SP3D_Structure_S1_tutorial.pdf

SP3D Structure Tutorial: Grids: An Overview

Session 1: Grids: An Overview Objective: By the end of this session, you will be able to: •

Identify the tasks that can be performed using the Grids task in SP3D.

Prerequisite Session: •

SP3D Overview

Overview: The Grids task allows you to create and manipulate coordinate systems and reference planes and cylinders defined relative to a coordinate system. For a rectangular grid system, you define vertical grid planes parallel to the x (east)- and y (north)-axes and horizontal elevation planes. For a radial grid system, you define concentric vertical cylinders, radial vertical planes passing through the center of the cylinders, and horizontal elevation planes. A coordinate system has only one reference plane or cylinder at a given position. For example, only one grid plane can be created at x = 10 ft on the coordinate system named CS-0. Grid lines are displayed at the intersection of the elevation planes and the vertical grid planes. Grid arcs are displayed at the intersection of the elevation planes with the reference cylinders. You can choose the elevation planes on which you want to show grid lines/arcs for a given vertical grid plane/arc. The reference planes and cylinders associated with the given coordinate system are displayed in the Workspace Explorer nested under the coordinate system. You can select any system as the parent of the coordinate system. The reference planes are also displayed for graphic selection on rulers. You can turn these rulers off/on by using the View > Rulers command. The positions of the reference planes are shown as check marks on the rulers. You can drag these rulers to any position you want in the graphic window. You can use the coordinate systems, reference planes, and the grid lines/arcs when positioning your design objects in the 3D model. Use any number of different reference grid systems for pipe racks, buildings, or other areas of the plant. If you modify the position of the reference planes/cylinders later, then the associated grid lines/arcs move and all design objects whose positions depend on these reference elements also move. Figure 1 shows a rectangular grid.

Figure 1: Rectangular Grid © Copyright 2009 Intergraph Corporation

Last Updated: March 6, 2009 for SmartPlant® 3D 2009

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Figure 2 shows a radial grid.

Figure 2: Radial Grid

To open the Grids task, click the Tasks > Grids command.

Coordinate Systems:

Figure 3: Coordinate System

Right-handed coordinate systems can be defined for positional reference. In a right-handed coordinate system, the positive direction of the axes are defined, as shown in Figure 4, using the thumb pointing to positive x (east), the index finger pointing to y (north), and the middle finger pointing to z (elevation).

Figure 4: Right-Handed Coordinate System

© Copyright 2009 Intergraph Corporation


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In the modeling environment, you can interact with the coordinate system in rectangular, spherical, or cylindrical coordinates by selecting the desired coordinate input/output option on the PinPoint ribbon. It is the same coordinate system, but just a different coordinate mode. There are two types of coordinate systems: • •

Global coordinate system Design coordinate system (local coordinate system)

Global Coordinate System: Each model contains one global coordinate system, which you cannot edit or delete. All data you create is stored in the database relative to this coordinate system. You can view coordinates while you model and output coordinates to drawings relative to the global coordinate system or any local or design coordinate system. The positive y-axis designates the north axis and the positive z-axis designates the elevation axis.

Tips: •

•

Model your graphics within 10,000 meters of the global origin to avoid problems with round-off errors in calculations. To visually reference the global coordinate system, you can activate the global coordinate display by using the Coordinate system drop-down list on the PinPoint ribbon, as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5: Coordinate System Drop-Down List on the PinPoint Ribbon

Design Coordinate System: Design coordinate systems are created in relation to the global coordinate system by specifying the origin and orientation of the new coordinate system axes. You can have any number of named coordinate systems to aid in the design of localized constructions such as separate buildings. The coordinate system used for modeling, the active coordinate system, is selected on the PinPoint ribbon.



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Tip: •

Create a design coordinate system for your plant monument instead of using the global coordinate system. Create the design coordinate system for your plant monument even if the coordinate systems are directly on top of each other. This coordinate system should not have a grid system defined relative to it. The coordinate system will be used only to report coordinates in drawings and reports. If you want to move the entire plant relative to the plant monument, you only have to move the coordinate system representing the plant monument.

Elevation Planes: Elevation planes are parallel to the X-Y plane (the plane defined by the x- and y-axes) of the coordinate system. Elevation planes are used in both rectangular and radial grid systems. Grid lines are displayed on the elevation plane at the intersection of the elevation plane with the grid planes, radial cylinders, and radial planes. You can create and edit multiple elevation planes with a single command.

Figure 6: Elevation Plane

Rectangular Grid Planes: In a rectangular grid system, grid planes are vertical planes parallel to either the x-axis or the yaxis of the coordinate system. A smartstep command on the Create and Edit ribbons of the grid plane controls the elevation planes that will display a grid line at the intersection with the grid plane. You can create and edit multiple grid planes with a single command.



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Figure 7: Rectangular Grid Plane

Radial Grid Cylinders: For a radial grid system, cylinders are defined with their axis coincident with the z-axis of a coordinate system. Any number of cylinders can be defined with a radius greater than zero. A smartstep command on the ribbon of the grid cylinder controls the elevation planes that will display a grid arc at the intersection with the cylinder. An arc is created for each quadrant of the circle rather than a circle. You can create and edit multiple radial grid cylinders with a single command—this procedure is similar to the creation of the rectangular grid plane.

Figure 8: Reference Cylinder

Radial Grid Planes: In a radial grid system, radial planes are vertical planes passing through the coordinate system origin and positioned by an angle with respect to the north axis being 0 degrees. Radial planes are infinite in size. Therefore, you cannot place a radial plane that is equal to or greater than 180 degrees. You can create and edit multiple radial grid planes with a single command—this procedure is similar to the creation of the rectangular grid plane.



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Figure 9: Radial Plane

Grid Wizard: You can use the Grid Wizard command to quickly create a design coordinate system and an entire set of related elevation planes, grid planes, radial cylinders, and/or radial planes. Once you create the grid system by using the wizard, you can add reference objects to the grid system or edit the existing objects. For more information related to grids, refer to following topics in the user guide GridsUsersGuide.pdf : • • • • •

Understanding Grids: An Overview Understanding the Grids Workflow: An Overview Understanding Coordinate Systems: An Overview Understanding Elevation Planes: An Overview Understanding Grid Planes: An Overview

You can access GridsUsersGuide.pdf from GridsPrintGuide.htm.

Quiz: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Which task enables you to design coordinate systems and create elevation planes, grid planes, radial cylinders, and radial planes? Which command do you use to reference the global coordinate system? What is the difference between global and design coordinate systems? What is a radial grid plane?



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SP3D_Structure_S1_tutorial.pdf

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